WEYMOUTH RESERVES 3 BRIDPORT RESERVES 2

WEYMOUTH Reserves needed all their powers of recovery to finish the season with a win that saw them go back on top of the Dorset Premier League.

They will now have to wait and see if any of the chasing pack who have games remaining can oust them from first place – Portland United still appear to be the favourites to do that.

While some silverware would be a welcome addition to the trophy cabinet at the Bob Lucas Stadium, Terras’ boss Jake Richmond is just happy to see his squad producing players capable of stepping up to the first team.

Of course, a result like Satur-day’s helps the development process and, not for the first time this season, the home side demonstrated their ability to keep going to the last.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead when Michael Hailu finished off a good team move with a close-range effort.

Jack Scovell doubled the Bees’ advantage before half-time and Robin Townsend’s troops looked set for a big away win in their penultimate outing of the campaign.

But after some choice words from captain Adam Anstey, the hosts came out for the second period a different side.

And it was the skipper that led by example with a header on 48 minutes making it 2-1, closely followed by a second from Paul Ford after a lovely pass by Gareth Will.

Then, near the end, Conor Jev-on raced through and, although his first shot was saved by Billy Fleet, the Terras’ substitute buried the rebound from five yards.

The comeback was complete but Bridport had a golden opportunity to earn a point right at the death.

When the ball dropped to Ben Clarke three yards from goal he seemed certain to score, but a fantastic reaction save by Ryan Park kept his effort out and the final whistle blew seconds later.

“It’s been a fantastic season and it’s nice to finish with a win,” said Richmond. “What was really nice was that we must have had more than 100 people watching the game and the lads were given a standing ovation when they left the pitch.

“The number of supporters that told me they had been really entertained by the lads this season speaks volumes about what we are trying to do.

“One fan even gave me £100 to put towards our funds for next season and, as a squad, we’d like to thank all the fans and sponsors for their help.

“I know we are top of the league, probably until Portland play next, but for us, it’s all about providing players for the first team.”

Richmond’s opposite number, was disappointed not to have won Saturday’s game.

“The game should have been dead and buried at half-time but then we didn’t defend well for the first 20 minutes of the second half,” said Townsend.

Terras: Park, Harvey, Butcher, Anstey, Pidgely, Preece (Chatterton 54), Asagba (Jevon 54), G Will, Zima, McClements, P Ford (Jackson 75). Subs not used: Beals, J Will

Bees: B Fleet, Lock, Fry, Steele, King, S Gale (Cummings 65), Gape, Hailu (C Bulman 75), T Gale, B Clarke, Scovell. Sub not used: H Fleet